Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHICKEN Inn coach Tonderayi Ndiraya has struck a defiant tone ahead of his side’s Castle Lager Premiership game against Dynamos at Barbourfields on Sunday.
He insists the Gamecocks are ready to bounce back from a difficult run of poor form.
They head into the high-stakes encounter smarting from consecutive derby defeats after falling 1-3 to Highlanders and 0-2 to Bulawayo Chiefs.
“We are Chicken Inn, we might be down, but not out. We will bounce back and defend the badge,” said Ndiraya.
The coach pointed to defensive lapses as the major concern, with his team conceding what he described as “very soft goals” in recent matches. However, he also highlighted positives within the squad, including growing cohesion and understanding among the players.
“IWe are failing to defend at critical moments and that is something we must urgently address,” he said.
“However, despite the defeats, you can see the understanding within the team.
“We need to re-group, organise ourselves and keep the players mentally strong.”
Sunday’s showdown at Emagumeni presents an opportunity for Chicken Inn to re-set their campaign against one of the league’s giants.
A positive result could provide a timely lift for a side currently seeking consistency.
After nine matches, Chicken Inn sit ninth on the table with 12 points, having registered three wins, three draws and three defeats — a record that underlines their mixed start to the season.
With pressure mounting and fans demanding a response, all eyes will be on whether Ndiraya’s men can rise to the occasion and deliver against Dynamos in what promises to be a fiercely-contested encounter.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Week 10 Fixtures:
Tomorrow: Herentals College v Highlanders (Rufaro)
Saturday: Agama v FC Platinum (Wadzanayi), CAPS United v Bulawayo Chiefs (Rufaro), Hardrock v FC Hunters (Chawanda), ZPC Kariba v MWOS (Nyamhunga)
Sunday: Chicken Inn v Dynamos (Barbourfields), Scottland v Simba Bhora (Rufaro), Triangle United v TelOne (Gibbo)
